Box Score San Angelo, Texas- Coming into today's game three of the weekend series against Angelo State, the Regis Baseball team knew they were going to face the tough task of creating offense against the solid pitching of the Rams. While the Rangers were able to create a few more scoring chances, they still weren't able to capitalize losing 12-2.
In yesterday's two games, Regis accumulated a mere eight hits total. Today, Regis successfully put seven hits into play, but it did not compare to Angelo State's 14.
Regis gave up runs in nearly every inning of the game, but it was the four runs in the first inning that really allowed the Rams to settle into the game. Through the next four innings, Angelo State added two more runs to their total and finally in the sixth Regis was able to answer. Junior second baseman Marco Burciaga signaled through the left side and then junior right fielder CJ McGrady followed with a single of his own moving Burciaga over to third. With a wild pitch from Bryce Zak, Burciaga was able to touch home making the score 6-1.
The Rams answered with two more runs in the bottom of the sixth and additionally two more in each the seventh and eighth innings bringing their lead up to 12-1. In their last effort, the Rangers were able to score once more in the top of the ninth. Junior shortstop Drew LaComb reached first after swinging on strike three, but the pitch got away from the catcher allowing LaComb to sprint down the line. Sophomore infielder John Mulhern singled to short and LaComb raced to third. Then senior third baseman Logan Knox singled to right field so LaComb could score the Rangers' second run of the game.
Knox led Regis today with two hits and one RBI; five Rangers each earned one hit. In his third start of his career, freshman pitcher Noah Gotsis was handed his first career loss while Zak picked up the win for the Rams.
Next weekend, the Ranger will be back on the road to open Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. Regis will take on CSU-Pueblo in Pueblo for a four game series. On Friday, February 27th, first pitch is set for 6 pm. The double header on Saturday, February 28th will begin at 1 pm and the second game is slotted for 4 pm. Then Sunday, March 1st the series will wrap up with a game at noon.
To begin their season, the Rangers have had some big scoring wins in their first two weekends. This past weekend's series was certainly in contrast and dropped Regis to 4-4. Still, after competing against a nationally ranked opponent all weekend, the Rangers now know the type of level they will have to play at to contend for post-season tournament berths.
